Traffic stop leads Norwich police to marijuana operation

Norwich — Police say a traffic stop Tuesday resulted in the arrest of three men on marijuana charges and eventually led officers to a Bliss Street apartment where they uncovered a marijuana grow operation.

Police say a surveillance operation in the area of Spaulding Street and McKinley Avenue led to the motor vehicle stop of Peter J. Fliri, 25, on Freeman Avenue. Police said Fliri twice tried to elude officers before pulling to the side of the road.

During a search of the vehicle, police found 5 ounces of marijuana prepackaged for sale. As the investigation continued, police learned of a grow operation at 12 Bliss Place, Apt. 1, and discovered several mature marijuana plants ready for cultivation, grow lights, filtration systems and other materials needed to maintain a large-scale marijuana grow operation, police said.

Fliri, of 48 Misty View Ave., Mystic, was charged with conspiracy to sale of marijuana, possession of less than half an ounce of marijuana, engaging officers in pursuit and failure to have headlights illuminated. He was released on a $5,000 bond and is scheduled to appear Dec. 13 in Norwich Superior Court.

A passenger in the vehicle, Andrew S. Croxton, 25, of 12 Banas Court was charged with possession of more than 4 ounces of marijuana, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, sale of marijuana, illegal cultivation of marijuana and possession of marijuana. Croxton posted a $5,000 bond and is scheduled to appear Dec. 13 in Norwich Superior Court.

Another passenger, Gordon T. Reynolds, 26, of 436 Asylum St., was charged with sale of marijuana, police said, and released on a $5,000 bond with a Dec. 13 scheduled appearance in Norwich Superior Court.

Police ask anyone with information regarding drug or criminal activity in Norwich to call the Norwich Police Department at (860) 886-5561, the anonymous tip line at (860) 886-5561 ext. 500 or email crimetips@cityofnorwich.org.